Netherlands Quits 2027 Eurovision Over Israel Sensitivities
Dutch public broadcaster NPO says it will not take part in next year's contest, joining a growing list of withdrawals.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Television
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NPO, the Dutch public broadcaster, has decided not to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing sensitivities over Israel's participation. The Netherlands, which will still air the contest on Dutch public channels, reversed an earlier plan to replace AVROTROS, which had pulled out in August saying the event can no longer be considered neutral.
Why it matters
The decision adds to a widening boycott that also includes Ireland, Spain and the Czech Republic, raising questions about the contest's neutrality and its future. NPO said it is still talking with the European Broadcasting Union about the contest's future, and that participating now would be premature given current sensitivities.
The 2026 contest was watched by 131 million viewers, down about 35 million from the previous year, after five broadcasters withdrew over Israel's participation. Whether the Dutch withdrawal will be followed by further exits from the 2027 contest remains unclear.
The players
NPO
NPO is the Dutch public broadcaster responsible for public television and radio programming in the Netherlands, and it has been the country's Eurovision broadcaster.
AVROTROS
AVROTROS is a Dutch public broadcasting association that pulled out of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in August, saying the event can no longer be considered neutral.
The details
NPO announced the decision in a statement from media director Jurre Bosman after consulting its Board of Broadcasters. Executive chairman Jet de Ranitz said it is currently too early to participate in 2027 because of sensitivities surrounding current themes, while Israel's participation has caused division in Dutch society. The Czech public broadcaster has also pulled out, citing spending cuts.
Timeline
August: AVROTROS withdrew from the 2027 contest, saying the event can no longer be considered neutral.
One month later: NPO stepped in to replace AVROTROS.
November 10, 2026: NPO reversed that decision and announced its withdrawal from the 2027 contest.
Earlier in November 2026: The Czech public broadcaster pulled out, citing spending cuts.
May 15, 2027: The next contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Big Picture
The Dutch decision extends the 2026 boycott by Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands into the 2027 cycle, turning a one-year protest into a sustained rift within the contest. It reflects how broadcasters are weighing Israel's participation against the contest's stated commitment to neutrality.
Viewers in the Netherlands will still be able to watch the contest on Dutch public channels, even though the country's broadcaster will not send an act. The withdrawals could affect which performers and national entries appear in future broadcasts.
The takeaway
Broadcaster boycotts can reshape a major international event even when audiences remain large, so readers following Eurovision should watch for how the European Broadcasting Union responds to the withdrawals before the 2027 contest.
What happens next
NPO said it is still in talks with the European Broadcasting Union about the future of the contest, and the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for May 15, 2027, in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Further reading
Explore more Television coverage for context on how broadcasters are shaping major international competitions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Naharnet.
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